Description
Why Is This Preserve Significant?
Since it was originally established in 1982, the Mary Macdonald Preserve has grown to encompass 1,200 acres, including five miles of Lake Superior shoreline. While the rugged bedrock beach here supports only the toughest of plants such as lichen, the preserve is home to 11 threatened or rare species.
What Can I See Here?
Along the shoreline a rocky ridge creates a barrier for inland species and slower growing plants.
Just inland from the rock beaches, forest thrives in this cool, moist climate. Balsam fir, white cedar, white spruce and white birch provide habitat for the black bear, snowshoe hare, peregrine falcon, ruffed grouse, golden-crown kinglet, black throated green warbler and yellow rumped warbler. Hiking boots are definitely recommended for walking the trails and shoreline of this preserve.